AECOM Technology Corporation was awarded a $16.8-million contract by the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities to perform preliminary engineering work on the Southwest Light Rail Transit line in Minneapolis, Minn.

AECOM will provide preliminary engineering services for the western half of a 15.8-mile corridor that includes 17 new stations that will operate from downtown Minneapolis through several southwestern suburban cities. This project is an extension of the Green Line between downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, which was also designed by AECOM and is scheduled to begin operation during 2014.

"AECOM is looking forward to being a part of the next step in building an extension of the transit system for the Twin Cities region," said AECOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Dionisio. "We are delighted to play a key role in completing the Southwest Light Rail line as the project will offer a substantial return on investment for transit in the region and provide economic, environmental and social benefits to residents."

Construction is set to begin in 2015, with the line scheduled to begin operating during 2018.